Judge expands ruling to protect transgender passport rights
- A federal judge ruled that transgender and nonbinary individuals can select their gender when applying for U.S. passports.
- The ruling was an extension of a preliminary injunction previously applied to six individuals, now affecting all similarly situated applicants.
- This decision highlights the ongoing legal battles for transgender rights in America, promoting the necessity for equal protection and recognition.
In a significant ruling on June 17, 2025, a federal judge in Massachusetts, U.S. District Judge Julia Kobick, announced an expansion of a previous order that favored the rights of transgender and nonbinary individuals with respect to U.S. passports. Following an executive order from former President Donald Trump that mandated gender identification strictly as male or female, Kobick's ruling allows individuals who seek to apply for new passports or renew existing ones to select genders that align with their gender identity, including the 'X' designation for those who do not identify strictly as male or female. This ruling affects those without a valid passport or those whose passports are about to expire. Previously, the ruling had been limited to six plaintiffs, but Kobick’s latest decision broadens the scope to include a wider variety of applicants across the nation. The implications of this ruling suggest a significant shift in the legal landscape surrounding gender identity and governmental recognition of transgender rights in the United States. As Kobick concluded, the evidence suggests that the previous policy caused significant psychological distress among those whose identity did not align with their gender assigned at birth, making it evident that a more inclusive approach is necessary for the welfare of these individuals. This ruling is part of ongoing litigation backed by the American Civil Liberties Union, which underscores the importance of equal protection under the law for all individuals, regardless of their gender identity.